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Unit 1 Mod 1 Kinetic Theory Revised
Unit 1 Mod 1 Kinetic Theory Revised
KINETIC THEORY
Assumptions of the kinetic theory in relation to ideal gases
1. Molecules are in constant, random motion. The rapidly moving particles
constantly collide with the walls of the container which results in pressure .
2. The collisions of gas particles with the walls of the container holding them are
perfectly elastic.
3. The interactions among molecules are negligible. They exert no forces on one
another except during collisions.
4. The average kinetic energy of the gas particles depends only on the
temperature of the system.
5. The volume of the individual gas molecules is negligible compared to the
volume that the gas occupies.
Note: An ideal gas is one which obeys both Boyle’s AND Charles’ Law
Checkpoint A
1. What is an ideal gas?
…………………………………………………………………………..
2. Why wouldn’t hydrogen gas show ideal behaviour at very low temperatures
e.g. -250 °C?
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………….
Boyle’s Law
At a constant temperature, the pressure of a gas is indirectly proportional to its
volume or pressure is directly proportional to the inverse of its volume
OR
Charles’ Law
At a constant pressure, the volume of a gas is directly proportional to its
temperature
i.e. Or V = constant or V1 = V2 (used for calculations)
T T1 T2
U1 Mod1 Kinetic Theory page 3 of 5
Checkpoint B
Combining the two equations, we form the Ideal Gas Equation PV = nRT
P = pressure, V = volume, n = # of moles of the gas,
R is the universal gas constant and T is temperature in Kelvin
A different form of the ideal gas equation can be used to determine the molar
Using kinetic theory to explain the liquid state, melting and vaporisation
Liquid state
In liquids, the particles are constantly in motion. However these particles are
grouped as units or clusters. The inter-molecular forces are weaker than those in
solids but stronger than those in gases. Their movement is random.
Melting
When a solid is heated the particles gain energy and start to vibrate faster and
faster. Initially the structure is gradually weakened which has the effect of
expanding the solid. Further heating provides more energy until the particles
start to break free of the structure. Although the particles are still loosely
connected they are able to move around. At this point the solid is melting to
form a liquid. The particles in the liquid are the same as in the solid but they
have more energy. To melt a solid energy is required to overcome the attractions
between the particles and allow them to pull them apart. The energy is provided
when the solid is heated up. The temperature at which something melts is called
its "melting point" or melting temperature.
Boiling
If a liquid is heated the particles are given more energy and move faster and
faster expanding the liquid. The most energetic particles at the surface escape
from the surface of the liquid as a vapour as it gets warmer. Liquids evaporate
faster as they heat up and more particles have enough energy to break away. The
particles need energy to overcome the attractions between them. As the liquid
gets warmer more particles have sufficient energy to escape from the liquid.
Eventually even particles in the middle of the liquid form bubbles of gas in the
liquid. At this point the liquid is boiling and turning to gas. The particles in the
gas are the same as they were in the liquid they just have more energy. At
normal atmospheric pressure all materials have a specific temperature at which
boiling occurs. This is called the "boiling point" or boiling temperature.
U1 Mod1 Kinetic Theory page 5 of 5